"This is the real thing."

Last years NBA Live game was fun, but it didn't feel like a real NBA game. NBA Live 06 is the real thing.

Graphics: 10/10

The graphics are awesome. The players look just like their real-life counterparts. Not only do the players on the court look good the graphics off the court are great also. The players on the bench, the coach, and even the crowd, all look real. Altogether the graphics are great, colorful, and clear.

Gameplay: 10/10

This is what makes the game feel so real. The gameplay still has the freestyle control like in the 05 and 04 games. So you can perform many different dribble moves to fakeout your opponent. Also, as a new addition there is freestyle superstars. There are 6 different types of freestyle superstars. Shooter, scorer, playmaker, power, stopper, and highflyer. And certain players have certain abilities. Shaq is a power player, Steve Nash is a playmaker, and Kobe Bryant is a scorer and so on. Freestyle superstars is a nice addition to this years NBA Live game.

Control: 9/10

Overall the controls are nice. Easy to get use to. Except freestyle superstars, that can be difficult. To perform a freestyle superstar move you have to hold the L button and either press A, B, X, or Y. Sounds easy but it takes a while to get use to. But when you master it, it's so much fun.

Sound: 9/10

The sound is great, at first. Then it can get a little repetitive. The color commentary is nice but the play- by-play gets annoying. Also there is a nice soundtrack, mostly hip-hop and rap but there are some catchy songs.

Extras: 10/10

So many great extras this year. There is a dynasty mode and you have to pick a team and sign coach's and go to training camp. It feels like your a real manager because there's a salary cap, and if you don't do something right, you get yelled at. Dynasty mode is fun and should keep you busy for a long time. Also there is All-star Weekend. Which is the sophmore rookie game, 3 point shoot out, slam dunk contest, and the All-star game.

Rent or Buy:

Buy, if you didn't like last years game you will like this one. And if you did like last years game, that's even a better reason to buy this one!